Luminaires, systems and methods for providing spectrally and spatially modulated illumination

ABSTRACT

Embodiments include a lighting device that includes a first illumination source comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) of a first color that generates a first light output with a first melanopic ratio of 0.4 to 1.2, and a second illumination source comprising an LED of a second color that generates a second light output with a second melanopic ratio that is less than the first melanopic ratio. The lighting device also includes a light distribution unit for directing and distributing illumination generated by the first and second illumination sources, where at least one of the first illumination source and the second illumination source is affixed to the light distribution unit, and where the first and second illumination sources are oriented relative to one another such that their respective light outputs are directed in different directions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/609,294, filed on May 31, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,595,376, andentitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling the Spectral Content ofLED Lighting Devices”; which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/393,714, filed Sep. 13, 2016, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/408,635, filed Oct. 14, 2016, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/434,791, filed Dec. 15, 2016. Thecontents of these applications are incorporated herein in theirentirety. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/264,197 filed Sep. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,788,387, andSer. No. 15/364,533 filed Nov. 30, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,116;both of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in theirentireties.

Except to the extent that any of the disclosure in the referencedpatents conflicts with the disclosure herein, the following US patents,which include inter alia disclosure pertaining to light emitting diode(LED) luminaires and light engines, light distribution units includingedge lit units, and LED driving and switching methods are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties: US Patent and PublicationNumbers U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,310,545, 9,495,892, 9,541,695, 20100283072 and20170068033.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to lighting fixtures, systems andmethods for providing spectrally and spatially adjustable high efficacyillumination and that may be used to optimally effect or coordinate withhuman circadian rhythms.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Light emitting diode (LED) technology is a maturing technology thatcontinues to show improvements in efficiency, customability and costreduction. LED technology is rapidly being deployed in a host ofindustries and markets including general lighting for homes, offices,and transportation, solid state display lighting such as in LCDs,aviation, agricultural, medical, and other fields of application. Theincreased energy efficiency of LED technology compared with otherlighting solutions coupled with the reduction of costs of LED themselvesare increasing the number of LED applications and rate of adoptionsacross industries. While LED technology promises greater reliability,longer lifetimes and greater efficiencies than other lightingtechnologies, the ability to mix and independently drive different colorLEDs to produce customized and dynamic light output makes LED technologyand solid state lighting (SSL) in general robust platforms to meet thedemands of a variety of market needs and opens the door to many newapplications of these lighting technologies. The ability to tailor andtune the output spectra of LED fixtures and dynamically switchindividual LEDs “on-the-fly”, for example in response to anenvironmental cue, dramatically opens up the application space of solidstate lighting.

As is well known in the art, LED luminaires generally comprise one ormore individual LEDs dies or packages mounted on a circuit board. TheLEDs may be electrically connected together on a single channel or bedistributed and electrically driven across multiple independentchannels. The LEDs are typically powered by current from an associatedLED driver or power supply. Examples of these power supply driversinclude AC/DC and DC/DC switched mode power supplies (SMPS). Examples ofLED power drivers include power supplies designed to supply constantcurrent to the LED string in order to maintain a consistent and steadylight output from the LEDs. LEDs may also be powered by an AC powersource. Direct AC power typically undergoes rectification and otherpower conditioning prior to being deliver to the LEDs. LED luminairesmay also comprise an optic or diffuser, a heat sink and other structuralcomponents.

Although LEDs may be combined in such a way to deliver a wide variety ofspecific color outputs, LED luminaires for general lighting typicallyare designed to produce white light. Light perceived as white ornear-white may be generated by a combination of red, green, and blue(RGB) LEDs. Output color of such a device may be altered by colormixing, for instance varying the amount of illumination produced by eachof the respective color LEDs by adjusting the supply of current to eachof the red, green, and blue LEDs. Another method for generating white ornear-white light is by using a lumiphor such as a phosphor inconjunction with a blue “pump” LED. Still another approach for producingwhite light is to stimulate phosphors or dyes of multiple colors with anLED source. Many other approaches can also be taken.

Melanopsin is a type of photopigment belonging to a larger family oflight-sensitive retinal proteins called opsins, and is found inintrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) of humansand other mammals. Melanopsin plays an important non-image-forming rolein the photoentrainment of circadian rhythms as well as potentially manyother physiologic functions. Stimulation of melanopsin-containing ipRGCscontributes to various reflexive responses of the brain and body to thepresence of light. Melanopsin photoreceptors are sensitive to a range ofwavelengths and reach peak light absorption at wavelengths around480-500 (or 490) nanometers (nm). Melanopic light, that is lightcorresponding to the melanopsin action spectrum, including particularlythe wavelengths in the 480-500 nm region is important for non-visualstimuli including physiological and neuroligcal effects such aspupillary light reflex and circadian entrainment and/or disruption. Timecoordinated exposure, including over-exposure and under-exposure tomelanopic light can be used to entrain and facilitate healthy circadianrhythms in humans and other mammals. When used herein, melanopic lightis meant to generally refer to light that stimulates melanopsin and orthat may have an effect on human circadian rhythms. When used herein,unless otherwise specified, “melanopic light” is not restricted to aparticular or narrow band of wavelengths but rather is meant to meanlight that corresponds to or is contained within range of wavelengthsthat correspond to the that melanopsin action spectrum.

Circadian related photoreceptors are in macular and peripheral visionnearest to the fovea. Melanopsin related photoreceptors are mostsensitive in the lower hemisphere of the retina. Selective stimulationof these photoreceptors is possible by directing illumination, andspecifically melanopic light, towards or away from the region of theretina where melanopic photoreceptors are most concentrated or mostsensitive or responsive. If the desire is to optimally stimulate thesephotoreceptors, then a light source that produces high biological light(i.e., melanopic light) in this region would be a good solution.Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) is a metric for measuring the biologicaleffects of light on humans. EML as a metric is weighted to the ipRGCsresponse to light and translates how much the spectrum of a light sourcestimulates ipRGCs and affects the circadian system. Melanopic ratio isthe ratio of melanopic lux to photopic lux for a given light source.

The variation of the intensity of light output has a relativelystraightforward and understandable effect, namely, higher or lower lightintensities incident on the human visual system provide greater orlesser biological stimulation respectively (e.g., with respect tocircadian rhythms), the combination of both color variation (e.g., viaspectral tuning) and intensity variation can create complementary and insome cases synergistic biological effects. However, spatial distributionis a factor that adds a great deal of complexity and potential cost.Scientific studies have shown that light above the horizon has highbiological significance compared with light coming from below thehorizon. One consequence of this finding is that illumination emanating(e.g., reflecting) from vertical surfaces (e.g., upper portions of wallsand ceilings) has a higher biological significance compared to lowerhorizontal surfaces (e.g., desktops and tabletops). This differential inbiological effect is due at least in part to the fact that there is agreater concentration of melanopsin receptors (ipRGCs) in the lowerhemisphere of the human retina than in the upper hemisphere. Thus, thebiological effect of light impacting the lower hemisphere of the retinamay be greater than the biological effect of the same light incident onthe upper hemisphere. This provides an opportunity to further target andoptimize biological effects using lighting via spatial distributionand/or spatial modulation of illumination systems, for example bycreating layers of light that illuminate different surfaces at differenttimes of day (for example, high vertical illumination during biologicaldaytime, and low vertical illumination during biological night time).

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include a lighting device operable todeliver specific spectral and spatial illumination comprising a base, alight distribution unit secured to and above said base wherein the lightdistribution unit is operable to guide, reflect or transmit light, and afirst illumination source comprising an LED of a first color temperatureaffixed or proximate to a lower portion of said light distribution unitand wherein said LED of the first color temperature is oriented to emitlight in a generally upward direction away from said base. Theseembodiments also include a second illumination source comprising an LEDof a second color temperature affixed or proximate to an upper portionof said light distribution unit and wherein the LED of the second colortemperature is oriented to emit light in a generally a downwarddirection toward said base, and an electrical power driver for drivingsaid LEDs to illumination wherein when both LEDS are powered toillumination the resulting illumination in the upward direction awayfrom said base comprises predominantly light of said first colortemperature and the resulting illumination in the downward directiontoward said base comprises predominantly light of said second colortemperature.

In some embodiments, the LED of the first color temperature is rich inmelanopic light and the LED of the second color temperature is depletedin melanopic light. In some embodiments, the lighting device is operableto generate high efficacy white light task lighting (direct lighting)and indirect lighting with a comparatively higher equivalent melanopiclux. In some embodiments, a lighting device generates indirect lightingwith a relatively high equivalent melanopic lux (EML) and directlighting with a relatively low equivalent melanopic flux. In someembodiments, a lighting device comprises a first light source of highmelanopic ratio and a second light source with low melanopic ratio. Insome embodiments a lighting device provides indirect lighting with amelanopic ratio of greater than 0.8 and direct lighting with a melanopicratio of less than 0.8. Some embodiments of the invention include alighting device that generates task lighting that is low in melanopiclight and generates indirect lighting that is high in melanopic light.In some embodiments, the light distribution unit is comprised oftransparent or translucent material and may be composed of acrylic orsimilar material.

Some embodiments of the invention include a lighting device thatcomprises a dimmer control wherein the intensity light output of the LEDof a first color temperature and the LED of a second color temperaturemay be independently varied and controlled. In some embodiments of thelighting device, the light distribution unit is adjustable and providesfor the varying of the spatial direction, orientation and distributionof light emitted by the lighting device. In some embodiments thelighting device also comprises a clock and a programmable user interfacefor programming the lighting device to vary the light output both incolor and intensity during user selected time intervals.

Embodiments of the invention include a lighting device that providesadjustable spectral and spatial illumination to facilitate or coordinatewith human circadian rhythms and comprises a first illumination sourcecomprising an LED of a first color temperature that is rich in melanopiclight, a second illumination source comprising an LED of a second colortemperature that is depleted in melanopic light, and a lightdistribution unit for directing and distributing illumination generatedby the first and second illumination sources wherein at least one ofsaid first illumination source and said second illumination source isproximal to said light distribution unit and wherein the first andsecond illumination sources are oriented relative to one another suchthat their respective light outputs are directed in differentdirections.

In some embodiments, the respective light outputs of the firstillumination source and the second illumination source are generally inopposite or near-opposite directions, and in some embodiments of thelighting device, the light output from the first illumination source isgenerally directed upward and away from a floor or lower portion of aroom or other space and results in indirect lighting from above and thelight output from the second illumination source is generally directeddownward towards a floor or lower portion of a room or other space. Insome embodiments, the lighting device includes a light distribution unitcapable of being edge-lit and wherein the first color temperature isgreater than about 4000 K and the second color temperature is less thanabout 2700 K. In some embodiments a first light source generatesillumination of relatively high equivalent melanopic lux or with highmelanopic ratio and a second light source generates illumination with arelatively low equivalent melanopic lux or with a low melanopic ratio.In some embodiments, the lighting device comprises means forindependently adjusting the illumination output of both the LED of thefirst color temperature and the LED of the second color temperaturewhereby the lighting device can be configured such that its illuminationoutput comprises relatively high melanopic flux during the daytime andrelatively low melanopic flux at nighttime.

Embodiments of the invention also include a lighting fixture withintegrated functions operable to deliver adjustable spectral and spatialillumination comprising a base, an edge lit shade above and attached tosaid base, a first illumination source comprising a set of LEDs of afirst color temperature affixed to a lower portion or edge of the edgelit shade wherein said set of LEDs of the first color temperature areoriented to produce illumination generally upward and away from saidbase, a second illumination source comprising a set of LEDs of a secondcolor temperature affixed to an upper portion or edge of the edge litshade wherein said set of LEDs of the second color temperature areoriented to produce illumination generally downward in the direction ofsaid base, a speaker for generating acoustic waves, and a programmableinterface integrated into said base for programming or operating thelighting device and whereby the intensity of illumination output of boththe first set of LEDs and second set of LEDs may be adjusted.

Embodiments of the invention include a lighting fixture in the form of atable or floor lamp, and wherein a first illumination source comprisesdaytime LEDs rich in melanopic light and a second illumination sourcecomprises nighttime LED depleted in melanopic light. Other embodimentsof the lighting fixture include a clock and automatic illuminationadjustment feature that automatically varies the outputs of daytime LEDsand nighttime LEDs depending on the time of day in order to facilitate,regulate or prevent interference with natural circadian rhythms. Someembodiments include a lighting fixture with an edge-lit shade that isadjustable such that the illumination output of the lighting fixture maybe spatially varied and redirected. Some embodiments include a lightingfixture with integrated and programmable sleep and wake functions thatcombine both dynamic sound and light variation and output to facilitatefalling asleep or waking up respectively. Some embodiments include apendant luminaire that provides both indirect lighting of high melanopicratio and direct lighting (e.g., task lighting) of low melanopic ratio.Other embodiments include a troffer type luminaire or fixture thatprovides both illuminations of high melanopic ratio and of low melanopicratio, each respective illumination occupying a different spatialdistribution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a-c illustrate lighting devices for providing spectrally andspatially adjustable illumination according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 2a-c illustrate the structure and configuration of a lightdistribution unit and associated LEDs according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate spatial illumination patterns of a lightingdevice in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention include methods, systems and luminairesthat dynamically generate high efficacy white light that comprisesenhanced spectral components that can vary in aspects of spectral andspatial distribution as well as intensity at different times of the dayto facilitate circadian regulation or entrainment. Embodiments of theinvention include dynamic illumination methods and systems for providingrelatively high melanopic flux during the day and relatively lowmelanopic flux at night. Other embodiments of the invention includelighting systems which provide indirect illumination from the upperportions of the visual field of an observer wherein such illumination isenriched in melanopic light. In some embodiments, the exposure ofmelanopic light to photoreceptors in the lower hemisphere of the retinamay be amplified or attenuated based on time of day in order tofacilitate circadian rhythm regulation. Some embodiments include alighting fixture which provides task lighting and/or indirectillumination from the lower portions of the visual field of an observerthat is depleted in melanopic light. Some embodiments include luminairesor lighting fixtures which provide both indirect lighting from the upperportions of visual fields rich in melanopic light and task lighting andindirect lighting from the lower portions of visual fields that aredepleted in melanopic light. In some embodiments, a lighting fixture inthe form of a table lamp comprises two of more different sources ofillumination, differing in their respective output spectrums, and forwhich the spectral outputs (e.g., amount of melanopic light), thespatial distributions of said illuminations and the relative intensitiesof the illuminations may be varied. In some embodiments, the spectral,spatial and intensity variations may be coordinated with the local timeor user preference to facilitate the coordination of human circadianrhythms or other biological effects.

Embodiments of the invention include methods, luminaires and systems forproviding biologically relevant light (e.g., melanopic light) fromindirect illuminating sources and from sources which direct variousspectral types of light in specific spatial directions and illuminatespecific areas. When used herein, the term day-time LEDs may be used andis meant to refer to LEDs that produce illumination rich in melanopiclight or which have a relatively high melanopic ratio and which generaterelatively high equivalent melanopic lux. Similarly, the term night-timeLEDs means LEDs that produce illumination that is relatively low ordepleted of melanopic light or which have a relatively low melanopicratio and which generate relatively low equivalent melanopic lux.Embodiments include desk and floor lamps which comprise covers or shadeswhich are edge-lit and comprise different types of LEDs, one set of LEDsproducing light which is depleted of melanopic light and another setwhich produces light rich in melanopic light illuminated. In someembodiments, the biological effective LEDs (those that provideillumination rich in melanopic light) are configured in or in relationto the edge-lit shade such that the illumination provided by those LEDsproject upward (i.e., up and outward toward the ceiling and the wallssurfaces generally at or above eye level). In some embodiments, the LEDswhich are depleted in melanopic light are configured in or in relationto the edge-lit shade such that the illumination from themelanopic-depleted LEDs is projected downward (i.e., toward thefloor/desk and outward generally below eye level). In some embodiments,the desk/floor lamp comprises a selective dimmer which allows one orboth of the different types of LEDs to be dimmed such that the intensityof the respective illuminations may be adjusted (e.g., the intensity ofillumination produced by the daytime and/or nighttime LED may beadjusted). In some embodiments, such dimming may be automatic and may beprogrammed and/or coordinated with the time of day or user preference.Embodiments also include various configurations of light distributionunits for reflecting and/or transmitting and generally directing lightspatially.

In one embodiment, a desk lamp that comprises a “shade” comprised oflight-transmissive guide material is configured such that daytime LEDsilluminate the shade from below, resulting in an edge-lit shade thatprojects the daytime illumination upwards and outwards, and nighttimeLEDs illuminate the shade from above resulting in nighttime illuminationprojecting downwards and outwards. The daytime light (rich in melanopiclight) is projected onto the ceiling and upper portions of surroundingwalls or partitions, and is reflected therefrom. This reflected indirectlight from above may disproportionately impinge on the lower hemisphereof the retina of a conventionally oriented observer in the lightedspace. This type of daytime light spatial distribution may beappropriate for optimal melanopic photoreceptor stimulation because thelower hemisphere of the retina is most sensitive to melanopic lightrelative to the upper hemisphere. Additionally, illumination from thenight time LEDs is projected downward onto the task areas, e.g., a desk.During periods of the day when it would be inappropriate to receivemelanopic light (for instance late in the day prior to bedtime), thenighttime LEDs will provide good illumination for task work, but willnot be rich in melanopic light and therefore will have no or littleimpact or disruption the circadian rhythm of the individual(s) exposedto the illumination.

Transparent and translucent materials may be used for portions of thelight distribution unit (e.g., shade, diffuser, etc.) An example of suchmaterial is acrylic. Edge-lit technology is well known and readilyavailable in the lighting industry. Materials for use in embodiments ofthe invention may be obtained from a number of sources including thefirm ACRYLITE. Light guides and other types of edge-lit technologies andmaterials may be employed in embodiments of the invention. For instance,clear shade acrylic may be used and shaped such that light from one setof LEDs illuminating the acrylic from the bottom edge will betransmitted upwards through the acrylic and outwards from the acrylic toprovide the edge-lit effect. Similarly, light from another set of LEDsilluminating the acrylic from the top edge will be transmitted downwardsthrough the acrylic and outwards from the acrylic to provide theedge-lit effect. Holographic diffuser can also be used to providedesired or optimal light distribution. Embodiments of the invention arenot limited to any specific material, and a variety of materials andcombinations thereof, including transparent, translucent, reflective,opaque, etc., may be used to achieve spectral, spatial, and intensityvariations of illuminations are contemplated by embodiments of theinvention.

In some embodiments, a desk or table lamp may comprise a programmableinterface and clock to coordinate the illumination output (spectral,spatial, and/or relative intensity) with the time of day and usersschedule, and/or such that the user can input specific idiosyncraticparameters or desires in order to adjust and optimize the illuminationof the luminaire, e.g., throughout the day, to match a users schedule,and to facilitate regulation of the individuals circadian rhythm, sleepcycles and period of acute alertness. Examples of such inputs includebut are not limited to users desired sleep/wake schedules, desired lightcolor and intensity depending on activity, subjective feelings of sleepquality, desire to shift sleep schedule et cetera.

In some embodiments the desk lamp also comprises a sound system capableof producing and projecting music or other sounds such as white or pinknoise, bedtime beats, relaxation sounds, etc. In some embodiments, thelight from the lamp may be modulated in coordination with the music toproduce a show. In some embodiments the sound may be dynamicallycoordinated with the light to help the individual sleep or wake orconcentrate. In some embodiments, the luminaire can dynamically adjustthe spectrum (and/or sounds) throughout the day, for instance in theform of a dawn to dusk light show. Additional lighting featuresaccording to some embodiments include: a party mode (color, animation,music synchronization etc); jet-lag fighter (e.g., pre-travel shift andpost-travel shift); circadian optimizer; calming feature (e.g., beatsynch, synch with heart beat or respiration); directional nightlight(e.g., singular facade); Nighttime light sensor (e.g. send text whenlamp senses presence of bright or blue light).

FIGS. 1a-c illustrate embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1a shows a deskor table lamp 100 that comprises a base 105, a lamp shade holder 110, alight distribution unit in the form of an edge-lit lampshade 120 (otherforms of shades, reflectors, diffusers, etc. may also be used as will beevident to those skilled in the art), daytime LEDs 130, nighttime LEDs150, and a control interface 165. The daytime LEDs 130 are attached tothe underside or lower portion of the lampshade 120 or otherwiseintegrated therein and are oriented such that light emitted from them isgenerally upward, for example the opaque non-emitting portion of the LEDdie or package is oriented facing toward the base 105. The nighttimeLEDs 150 are attached to the upper side or upper portion of thelampshade 120 or otherwise integrated therein and are oriented such thatlight emitted from them is generally downward, for example the opaquenon-emitting portion of the LED die or package is facing away the base105. The control interface 165 may comprise one or more toggle switchesfor turning the daytime and nighttime LEDs on and off. The controlinterface 165 may also comprise a dimming control for adjusting theintensity of the daytime LEDs, the nighttime LEDs or both. An optionalclock 180 is also shown. Desk or table lamp 100 also includes a powersource (not shown). In alternative embodiments, the light distributionunit or lamp shade 120 is not edge lit and may be designed with variousdegrees of relative transparency to allow various patterns ofillumination (e.g., a uniform cone-like distribution or alternatively agreater degree of the illumination directed in the vertical directionwith a less transparent shade). In some embodiments the daytime LEDsprovide illumination with a melanopic ratio of greater than 0.8. Inother embodiments the melanopic ratio is greater than 1.0. In stillother embodiments, the MR is greater than 1.2. In some embodiments thenighttime LEDs provide illumination with a melanopic ratio of less than0.8. In other embodiments the melanopic ratio is less than 0.6. In stillother embodiments, the MR is less than 0.4.

The configuration of the daytime LEDs 130 and Lamp Shade 120 and thecontrol interface 165 provide for the projection and control (e.g.,dimming) of melanopic rich light illumination upward such that, forexample, more melanopic rich light would be more likely to fall on thelower hemisphere of a person's retina who is in proximity to the lampand surrounding surfaces. The configuration of the nighttime LEDs 150and Lamp Shade 120 and the control interface 165 provide for theprojection and control (e.g., dimming) of light that is depleted inmelanopic light downward such that, for example, when an individual isworking on a task, e.g., on a desk or table surface, the individualsretina is not exposed to significant amounts of melanopic rich light,light which may not be appropriate at a particular time of day for aparticular individual. These configurations allow for an individual toreceive the needed melanopic light during the day while being able toavoid melanopic light during periods where it may interfere or disruptthe person's circadian rhythms or sleep patterns. The intensity of thedaytime and nighttime LEDs may be varied using the control interface165.

FIG. 1b illustrates another embodiment of the invention. Desk or tablelamp 100 comprises a base 105 a lamp shade holder 110, a lightdistribution unit in the form a lamp shade 120, daytime LEDs 130,nighttime LEDs 150, and programmable interface (PI) 170. Theprogrammable interface 170 comprises means for both manual and automaticcontrol of the lighting device features including lighting intensity,color and spatial distribution as well as other features describedfurther below. Also shown schematically (although not to scale and notmeant to represent the actual illumination pattern but shown forillustrative purposes) are representations of the Upward Projection 140of the illumination from the Daytime LEDs 130 and the DownwardProjection 160 of the illumination from the Nighttime LEDs 150.

Table lamp 100 also comprises a sound system (not fully shown integratedin said base) including a woofer or other speaker means 175, a clock180, a means for wireless communications (not shown) and mayadditionally include various optional sensors (not shown) including anambient light sensor. The programmable user interface 170 is used foraccessing and/or programming these elements. As can be seen from theFigures, the base may be so designed as to optimize acoustics. Forinstance an offset of the base from the table surface provides aresonant air gap offset 185 and a cover 190 may be shaped and configuredfor sound consolidation and other acoustical performance. In someembodiments the sound system and illumination output may be coordinatedto produce a number of desired features as mentioned elsewhere herein.

The lighting fixture 100 comprises a power source not shown. Deliveringand regulating electrical power to the components of the desk lamp arewell known to those skilled in the art. Examples of power sources areswitched mode power supplies and other power supplies that can supplyand adjust current and voltage supplied to the LEDs and/or LED lightengines, the processing hardware (e.g., circuit board, memory and CPU)and sound system including woofers etc. In some embodiments the powersource is wall AC supplied by a conventional pronged plug (not shown).

FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of a spectrally and spatially tunablelighting device according to some embodiments. According to someembodiments, the lighting fixture 100 also may also comprise additionalactivation and/or control interfaces, e.g., manuals switches, dimmers,and means to adjust the orientation of the light distribution unit orshade to spatially direct the light. In some embodiments, the shadestransparency may be adjusted (via structural means or electro-opticmeans) to alter the spatial, spectral and/or intensity distribution ofthe illumination from the lighting fixture 100. The interfaces may beanalog, digital or both. In some embodiments, the desk lamp isconfigured to operate with wireless communications and be capable ofreceiving programming instructions or actual commands (e.g., on/off,dimming, etc), and transmit data, (e.g., status, user input, etc). Theuser interface may comprise a digital display for entering inputs.Alternatively a networked interface may allow the user to control and/orprogram the operation of the desk lamp remotely (e.g., via computer orsmart phone). In some embodiments, the desk lamp comprises aprogrammable microcontroller that allows for fine control over thespectral and spatial illumination output including intensity control.Additional embodiments include programmed light shows throughout theday, coordination with sounds or music from the sound system, andrecording and tracking a users habits or preferences and real-timedynamic illumination adjustment capability to facilitate regulation ofcircadian rhythms, aesthetics and other effects. In some embodiments,the lamp shade is clear or transparent. In some embodiments the portionof the desk lamp interior of the lampshade is empty.

FIGS. 2a-c illustrate a light distribution device 120 according to someembodiments of the invention. FIG. 2a shows a perspective view and FIGS.2b and 2c show top and side views respectively of the light distributiondevice 120. Light distribution device 120 comprises generally a hollowcylinder that comprises transparent or translucent material. In someembodiments, the material is capable of being edge lit. In theseembodiments, daytime LEDS 130 are affixed to a lower portion of thedevice 120 and oriented such that their light emitting surfaces arefacing upwards, and the nighttime LEDS 150 are affixed to an upperportion of the device 120 and oriented such that their light emittingsurfaces are facing downwards.

Although the light distribution device is shown as a cylindrical shapewith a hollow central structure, embodiments of the invention are notlimited to particular shapes, fills, or materials, and many differentshapes materials and orientations of light distribution devices 120 arecontemplated by the invention. Additionally, although the daytime LEDs130 and nighttime LEDs 150 are shown as placed around the lower andupper peripheries respectively of the light distribution device 120 andare generally oriented in a vertical facing direction (i.e., up ordown), the invention is not limited to any specific placement of LEDs onthe light distribution device 120 or specific orientations thereof. Aswill be evident to those skilled in the art, a variety ofconfigurations, placements and orientations of the light distributiondevice 120 and the LEDs 130 and 150 may be utilized to achieve thedesired spectral and spatial illuminations and adjustments thereof, forexample, daytime light directed generally upward and/or resulting inindirect illumination from above and nighttime light directed generallydownward providing both task lighting and indirect lighting from below.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show schematically and generally light distributionpatterns of a table lamp 100 on table or platform 190 comprising bothdaytime LEDs 130 and nighttime LEDs 150 according to some embodiments.FIG. 3a shows the light distribution pattern of the lighting fixture 100due to the daytime LEDs 130 when they are powered to illumination.Emitted light 210 is generally upwardly directed and results inreflected indirect light 220 that is generally downwardly directed.Daytime LEDs will generate illumination of higher melanopic ratio thannighttime LEDs.

FIG. 3b shows the light distribution pattern of the lighting fixture 100due to the nighttime LEDs 150 when they are powered to illumination.Emitted light 230 is generally downwardly directed and results in bothtask lighting on the table 190 and reflected indirect light 240 that isgenerally upwardly directed. Control interface 170 provide means tointer alia turn the daytime LEDs 130 and nighttime LEDs 150 on or offand adjust their respective intensities.

The light distribution patterns shown in the figures are forillustration purposes only and, as will be evident to those skilled inthe art, do not represent actual illumination patterns. The patternsshown are meant to illustrate how light from the daytime LEDs 130, whichis upwardly directed, reflects off of the ceiling and the upper portionsof walls resulting in indirect lighting directed downward to an observerin the room, and thereby disproportionately impinges on the lowerhemisphere of the observer's retina as compared to upper hemisphere ofthe retina. Similarly, the illumination from the nighttime LEDs 150results in direct task lighting on the desk or table top and otherwisereflects from the floor or lower portions of the walls resulting inindirect light directed generally upward to an observer in the room, andthereby may disproportionately impinge on the upper hemisphere of theobserver's retina as compared to lower hemisphere of the retina.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture, e.g., in the form of a tableor desk lamp, may be optimized for bedroom or sleep use generally andmay include a dynamic light controller that may be programmable and thatcomprises sensors and/or a receiver for data input and actuators tooutput sound, illumination or other output signals and/or data. Thelighting fixture may include means for wireless communication includingWiFi, Bluetooth or other communication protocols. This communicationcapability allows for a user to access, read and program the lightingdevice remotely and allows for the lighting device to read or senseambient data and communication information externally and control localor remote devices.

In some embodiments, the lighting device may include any or all of thefollowing: thermometer for measuring ambient temperature, humiditysensor, an ambient light sensor, a bed occupancy sensor, a proximitysensor, geo-location sensor, a speaker for outputting music, speech orother sounds, and a microphone for recording or to receive spokencommands. In some embodiments the proximity and/or bed occupancy sensormay be used to determine which lighting levels to provide via thelighting device to optimize the experience of the user or occupant. Insome embodiments, the lighting device comprises a user display that mayinclude inter alia a clock, sensor status, wireless communicationstatus, battery level, etc.

The bedroom lighting fixture according to some embodiments has thecapability to provide both spectrally tunable light as well as spatiallyvariable light and may be programmed to facilitate both falling asleepand waking up. For example, as an occupant approaches sleep time, lightwith low melanopic impact may be used instead of light with a highermelanopic effect and may be spatially directed, at for example thefloor, to minimize any alerting effect or sub-optimal impact on theoccupant's circadian rhythm. Conversely, during a wake up period or whenthe occupant wishes to remain awake or alert, melanopic light may begenerated by the lighting device to suppress or mitigate sleep pressureand/or shift of otherwise effect the circadian rhythm of the occupant.In some embodiments, music or other sounds generated by the lightingdevice sound system accompanies and is coordinated with the illuminationprovided thereof to facilitate sleeping or waking. The lighting devicemay be powered by an AC-DC power supply and may use various voltage andcurrent regulation schemes to optimize efficiency and performance. Thelighting device may also include a battery for backup power.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Itshould be understood that the diagrams herein illustrates some of thesystem components and connections between them and does not reflectspecific structural relationships between components, and is notintended to illustrate every element of the overall system, but toprovide illustration of the embodiment of the invention to those skilledin the art. Moreover, the illustration of a specific number of elements,such as LED drivers power supplies or LED fixtures is in no way limitingand the inventive concepts shown may be applied to a single LED driveror as many as desired as will be evident to one skilled in the art.

In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention,but that the invention will include many variants and embodiments. Also,in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplaryembodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have beenemployed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope ofthe invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of theterms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, butrather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one elementfrom another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do notdenote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of atleast one of the referenced item.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting device that provides adjustablespectral and spatial illumination to facilitate or coordinate with humancircadian rhythms comprising: a first illumination source comprising alight-emitting diode (LED) of a first color that generates a first lightoutput with a first melanopic ratio of 0.4 to 1.2; a second illuminationsource comprising an LED of a second color that generates a second lightoutput with a second melanopic ratio that is less than the firstmelanopic ratio; a light distribution unit for directing anddistributing illumination generated by the first and second illuminationsources, wherein at least one of the first illumination source and thesecond illumination source is affixed to the light distribution unit,and wherein the first and second illumination sources are orientedrelative to one another such that their respective light outputs aredirected in different directions.
 2. The lighting device of claim 1wherein the first light output of the first illumination source and thesecond light output of the second illumination source are generallydirected in opposite directions.
 3. The lighting device of claim 1wherein the first light output from the first illumination source isgenerally directed upward and away from a floor or lower portion of aroom or other space and results in indirect lighting from above, andwherein the second light output from the second illumination source isgenerally directed downward towards the floor or lower portion of theroom or other space.
 4. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the lightdistribution unit is edge-lit by the first illumination source and thesecond illumination source.
 5. The lighting device of claim 1 whereinthe first melanopic ratio of the first illumination source is greaterthan about 1.0, and the second melanopic ratio of the secondillumination source is less than about 1.0.
 6. The lighting device ofclaim 1 wherein the first melanopic ratio of the first illuminationsource is greater than about 0.5 and the second melanopic ratio of thesecond illumination source has a melanopic ratio of less than about 0.5.7. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein: the first illumination sourceis affixed to a lower portion of the light distribution unit, with thefirst light output oriented in an upward direction; and the secondillumination source is affixed to an upper portion of the lightdistribution unit, with the second light output oriented in a downwarddirection.
 8. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the first color hasa color temperature greater than 4000 K and the second color has a colortemperature less than 2700 K.
 9. The lighting device of claim 1 whereinthe light distribution unit is a shade or diffuser.
 10. The lightingdevice of claim 1 further comprising a control interface that variesspectral intensities of the first light output and the second lightoutput.
 11. The lighting device of claim 1 further comprising a controlinterface for independently adjusting the first light output of the LEDof the first color and the second light output of the LED of the secondcolor, and whereby the lighting device outputs a melanopic flux duringdaytime that is higher than at nighttime.
 12. The lighting device ofclaim 1 further comprising a control interface that varies a spatialdirection, orientation and distribution of the first light output andthe second light output emitted by the lighting device.
 13. The lightingdevice of claim 1 further comprising a networked interface allowing auser to remotely operate the lighting device.
 14. The lighting device ofclaim 1 further comprising a programmable light controller that controlsthe first illumination source and the second illumination source. 15.The lighting device of claim 14 wherein the programmable lightcontroller further comprises a sensor or a receiver for data input.